Frequently Asked Questions

There are several costs to budget for. The MOM levy is SGD 300/month at the standard rate, or SGD 60/month at the concessionary rate if you qualify. You'll also need to pay the helper's salary (typically SGD 550–750/month depending on experience and nationality), medical insurance (minimum SGD 60,000/year coverage), personal accident insurance (minimum SGD 60,000), a SGD 5,000 security bond for non-Malaysian helpers, plus a one-time SGD 70 in MOM Work Permit fees (SGD 35 application + SGD 35 issuance).

Total ongoing cost is typically SGD 800–1,100/month.

You qualify for the SGD 60/month concessionary rate if you live with a Singapore citizen who is a child under 16, a person aged 67 or above, or a person with disabilities (PWD). The concession is granted automatically when you apply for the Work Permit if you meet these criteria.

Helpers are entitled to one rest day per week. If she agrees to work on her rest day, you must pay one extra day's salary or give a replacement rest day in the same month. Since January 2023, at least one rest day per month cannot be exchanged for money — even if she agrees.

Rest days can be one full day or two half days.

Medical insurance with minimum SGD 60,000/year coverage for inpatient and day surgery, plus personal accident insurance of at least SGD 60,000. Both must be in place before your helper arrives in Singapore. When you hire through Bethel EA, we arrange both policies through our trusted insurance partner as part of our service — one less thing for you to figure out, and you can be sure the policies meet MOM requirements.

MOM is clear: employers should not keep their helper's passport and should not force her to hand it over. The passport belongs to her. If she wants safekeeping, provide a lockable place she has unrestricted access to.

The Work Permit card must be held by the helper at all times — you cannot keep it, even if she agrees.

From the time you select a helper to her arrival in Singapore typically takes 2–6 weeks depending on her source country, medical clearance, and embassy processing times. First-time MDWs must also attend the Settling-in Programme (SIP) after arrival.

If the placement is not working, contact Bethel EA first — many issues can be resolved with communication or simple adjustments. If a transfer or termination is necessary, we'll guide you through MOM's process.

You are responsible for the helper's return airfare unless she transfers to another employer.

You are entitled to at least one rest day per week — 24 hours free from work. Since January 2023, at least one rest day per month must be given to you and cannot be exchanged for money, even if you agree.

No. Since 1 January 2019, your employer is not allowed to keep your salary, your money, your bank book, or your bank card. These belong to you. You also have the right to ask for your salary to be paid by bank transfer — your employer must do this if you request it.

MOM says your employer should not keep your passport. If they want to safekeep it, they must give you a place to keep it yourself where you can access it any time.

Your Work Permit card must be held by YOU at all times — your employer cannot keep it, even if you agree.

By law, your employer must provide you with medical insurance (at least SGD 60,000/year coverage) and personal accident insurance (at least SGD 60,000). Both must be in place before you arrive in Singapore. When your employer hires through Bethel EA, we arrange this insurance through our dedicated insurance partner as part of our service — so you arrive properly covered from Day 1.

You can contact MOM (mom.gov.sg or 6438 5122), HOME (home.org.sg) for shelter and legal advice, FAST (fast.org.sg) for support and training, or your embassy.

You can also WhatsApp Bethel EA at +65 8131 1220 any time.

You must be female, aged between 23 and 49 for new applications (renewals are allowed up to age 60), from a MOM-approved source country, and have at least 8 years of formal education with a recognised certificate.